The Jamaica Meteorological Service has activated a flash flood warning for flood-prone and low-lying areas in eastern and central parishes.

The Met Service, in a statement last night, indicated that weather conditions across sections of the island are being influenced by a broad trough and weak frontal system, induced by Post-Tropical Cyclone Ian, which will linger throughout today (October 1).

The trough, straddling the western and central Caribbean Sea, brings “mostly cloudy skies with isolated showers and thunderstorms”, according to the Met Service.

“Observational data and satellite imagery indicate that sections of eastern and central parishes have been experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall and periods of thunderstorms since [Friday] afternoon,” noted the Met Service.

“Another trough, from the east of Jamaica, moves into the vicinity and lingers across the island for a few days. Cloudiness with rain, showers and thunderstorms are to continue into next week,” the agency advised further.

In response, the flash flood warning, which remains effective until 5:00 pm, covers the parishes of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon and Manchester.

“The forecast is for periods of moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to continue across sections of eastern and central parishes tonight into Saturday. Additionally, due to the extended period of rainfall, and high ground[water] saturation, landslides are likely,” the Jamaica Meteorological Service said.

In the meantime, the maximum temperature anticipated in major Jamaican cities, Kingston and Montego Bay, is 31 and 30 degrees Celcius respectively.

Breakdown of towns and cities forecast: 

Additionally, fisherfolk and marine interests are advised that a small craft warning has been activated for inshore and offshore areas of both north and south coasts due to strong winds and rough seas, especially within the vicinity of thunderstorms.

See more on Jamaica Met Service’s three-day outlook:

Sunday through to Tuesday: Mostly cloudy days with showers and thunderstorms. Night-time showers and thunderstorms are likely mainly across southern and northeastern parishes.